Pottery stall at markets and craft fairs

Market shoppers, tourists, gift buyers and homeowners looking for something handmade.

You sell at retail prices on market days. Busy seasonal markets and holiday fairs usually bring the best sales.

• Friendly selling and chatting to customers
• Display and merchandising
• Handling cash and card payments

• Stall fees and application deadlines, which vary by market
• Commercial general liability insurance, often required by market organizers
• Outdoor markets are weather- and season-dependent, so plan for winter months with indoor fairs or online sales
• Check GST/HST registration and your provincial sales tax rules
• Breakage and theft of stock, and lifting and transporting heavy boxes

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your stock, display setup and transport. Stall fees and application deadlines vary by market, so check these before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many events you attend, your range and your prices. Outdoor markets are weather- and season-dependent, so plan for winter with indoor fairs or online sales.

Check GST/HST registration and your provincial sales tax rules. Market organizers often require commercial general liability insurance, and stall fees and deadlines vary. Also plan for breakage and theft of stock, and for lifting and transporting heavy boxes.